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THE 


FAIRY GLASS. 


A STORY FOR BOYS AND GIRLS. 



BY 


L. S. 

r 


illj |llustrnli<mf. 






PHILADELPHIA: 

CLAXTON, REMSEN & HAFFELFINGER, 
819 & 821 MARKET STREET. 

1872. 





YZ% 


Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, by 
CLAXTON, REMSEN & HAFFELFINGER, 
in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 


STEREOTYPED BY J. FAGAN & SON, PHILADELPHIA. 















I. 

Weaving a New Idea 

II. 

The Fairy’s Wonderful Gift . 

III. 

The Magical Journey 

IV. 

The Fairy’s Store-Houses 


V. 

Above the Clouds with Science 

VI. 

Conclusion .... 



PAGE 

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•* • 





THE 

Fairy Glass. 


i. 

WEAVING A NEW IDEA. 

N the pretty village of Truth, 
nestled away among trees and 
green fields, little Kindheart lived 
with her grandmother Charity. And a very 
pleasant time they had, for everybody loved 
them, and not a day passed but that either 
the old woman, or the little girl, ministered 
to the wants of their less fortunate neighbors. 

ii 




12 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

Kindheart went regularly to the village 
school, where gray - headed Experience and 
gentle Miss Patience taught her many things. 

At the same school was a lad older than 
Kindheart, whose name was Wayward. He 
was the plague of the village. No one was 
too old, or too good, to be the object of his 
pranks. He was very handsome, and his 
eyes sparkled with fun. Kindheart, with 
her pleasant smile and ladylike manners, 
was the only one the boy cared to oblige. 

One afternoon, Kindheart sat under the 
great tree of nature, whose branches spread 
far out above the meadows. Beside her 
stood Experience and Patience. All three 
were watching the labors of numberless little 
ants, that walked in single file to a lump 
of sugar Kindheart had put on the ground 
near them. Each secured a load, sometimes 
double its own size, and returned, in sol- 
dierly order, to their hill. 































THE FAIRY GLASS. 13 

“How much they carry at once! They 
must get very tired,” said Kindheart. 

“The good Father who created them, 
foreseeing their needs, gave them great 
strength,” replied Experience. 

“ What are you doing here ? ” called out 
Wayward, nearly destroying the ants' hill, 
in his eagerness to join the party. 

“ Take care ! ” cried Kindheart ; “ you 

stepped on some of the ants.” 

“ Did I ? well that ’s good ! I ’ll knock 
their hill down and see them run.” 

So saying, he raised the stick he held and 
would have destroyed the home of the poor 
little ants, had not Kindheart grasped his 
uplifted arm, and begged him, with tears in 
her blue eyes, to let them alone. 

“ Oh, Wayward ! just think how long they 
have been building their little house, and 
how hard they have worked. It will do you 



14 the fairy glass. 

no good to demolish the result of all their 
labor, and would be a great loss to them.” 

“ They have not anything to do but to work, 
and it will be fun for them to build it over,” 
replied Wayward. 

But he lowered his stick, and Kindheart 
rejoined : 

“ You have nothing to do but to play ; 
yet if you should build a stone fort, or snow- 
house, or dam in the brook, and some great 
man should knock it down with his cane, you 
would call him mean and unkind.” 

“Well, I will not do it if you do not want 
me to, Kindheart. But you will make a girl 
of me at this rate,” laughed the boy, kissing 
her. 

“ To be harsh and cruel is not manly, I 
am sure ! A real man is as gentle and 
generous as a woman,” replied Kindheart, 
as Wayward walked slowly off toward the 
village. 











THE FAIRY GLASS. 15 

“That boy has much to learn from me 
yet,” said Experience. 

“He is young, he will grow better,” 
sighed Patience. 

Experience shook his head sternly, and 
went into the school - house. And Kind- 
heart, after kissing Miss Patience, hastened 
home to assist her grandmother in preparing 
the evening meal. 

Good old Charity sat weaving at the 
doorway of the little cottage, where the 
tree called Domestic, spread its branches of 
cool, green leaves over her head, letting 
only enough of the sunbeams through to 
make it bright and cheerful. 

“ What are you spinning, grandma ? ” 
asked Kindheart. 

“I am spinning a new Idea, child , ” re- 
plied the dame. 

“Who is it for?” asked the grand- 
daughter. 



1 6 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

Now you must know, it was a frequent 
pastime of Charity’s to spin Ideas for peo- 
ple of the village. 

‘‘Why, my dear, it is for a little girl who 
desires to be one of my scholars. But, like 
most beginners, she gets along very slowly, 
because she thinks all I want her to do is, to 
give her clothes and pennies to the poor peo- 
ple that come begging to her door. Now this 
Idea , when it is finished, will tell her, that to 
be charitable is to remember the good things 
people do, and forget the bad ones ; to save 
trouble, to give smiles and cheerful words to 
those she meets, whether they be rich or 
poor, as well as to give food to the needy. 
Because, very often the friends around her 
are as hungry for love and kisses and smiles 
as the beggar is for bread. 

“ It will tell her that the lessons of charity 
begin at home; that, to do all she can to 



THE FAIRY GLASS. 17 

make the days pass pleasantly and cheerfully 
with father, mother, and the rest, is the way 
to be most charitable. For when people are 
happy themselves, they desire to see others 
happy also, and are willing to give them 
things to make them so. 

“When she gets this Idea, she will un- 
derstand that what she gives willingly is 
counted double; that when she does any- 
thing charitable, I am looking on ; and if she 
does it to be praised and called a good 
girl, I take little notice of it. But if she 
does it because she wants to be good, I 
write it in letters of sunshine, and send it 
by an angel right up to Heaven, where the 
Lord immediately puts it in the crown he is 
making for her to wear when she goes to 
live with him. The more good she does, 
the brighter and more beautiful her crown 
will be.” 



l8 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

Kindheart took the lesson to herself, and 
went into the house to prepare supper, while 
the old dame still sat weaving. 

The threads that Charity used were finer 
than cobwebs, and the Idea she made from 
them, so thin it could not be seen. 

There was one little gold thread, which 
was the thread of Love, and she always used 
more of that than any of the others. 

As the good old lady worked, she sung, 
while the buzz of the loom kept time to her 
voice, and Kindheart, as she set the table, 
could distinctly hear the words of the 

SONG OF CHARITY’S WHEEL. 

Patience weaves in as a line of green, 

Hope, as a cord of the sunset’s hue, 

With a golden thread of Love between, 

And Faith, as a silken skein of blue. 

Buz — z, buz — z ; r — reel, r — reel, 

Hear the hum of Charity’s wheel. 



THE FAIRY GLASS. 19 

Smiles in the places of Frowns must be, 
Anger can never again be heard, 

For the greatest act of charity 

Is often to speak a cheering word. 

Buz — z, buz — z ; r — reel, r — reel, 

Hear the hum of Charity’s wheel. 

I’m weaving Patience, with loops of Hope, 
Pure Love, with a Faith that knows no fear. 
’Tis for a child, this charity rope ; 

I’m spinning, spinning a new Idea. 

Listen ! hark ! Buz-z-z, r — reel, 

Hear the hum of Charity’s wheel. 



I 




II. 

THE FAIRY’S WONDERFUL GIFT. 

HE supper ended, things were put 
neatly away ; Kindheart sat down 
by the door, while Charity went 
to carry her Idea to the little girl for whom 
it was made. As Kindheart sat engaged 
with her lessons, her attention was arrested 
by a dim ball of light that appeared among 
the leaves of the bush called Study. She 
watched it curiously. It grew brighter and 
brighter, until it became as tall as the house, 
and twice as broad. Then suddenly in the 
midst of this light appeared a beautiful 
young lady. 

20 




THE FAIRY GLASS. 21 

Her shoes were made of all sorts of 
stones, frosted with diamonds and precious 
jewels. Her dress was of leaves and vines 
and flowers, bordered with delicate moss. 
An apron of mist, which she held gathered 
in one hand, contained nests of birds and 
butterflies, and many other things which 
Kindheart could not see. 

Around her waist was a rainbow girdle, and 
from her shoulders floated a scarf of clouds. 

Her wavy hair was frosted with gems of 
ice and snow, while high upon her forehead 
flashed a brilliant star. 

Kindheart was dazzled by the splendor 
of the stranger, and sat quite still until the 
beautiful lady said: 

“ My dear little girl, since you was so 
good as to defend the poor Ants to-day, I 
will give you this ‘ Fairy Glass ’ for a re- 
ward. Go to the Ant-hill, which you saved 



22 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

from destruction, and when you get there, 
put the glass before your eyes, and you will 
see something very wonderful. I need not 
tell you any more.” 

With this, she laid the glass in the child’s 
lap. 

“ What is your name, beautiful lady ? ” 
asked Kindheart. “ Grandma will wish to 
know who gave me the Fairy Glass.” 

“ My name is Science, and I am always 
ready to assist those who desire or deserve 
my aid.” 

With these words the Fairy vanished, but 
her curious gift remained. 

Just then, Kindheart saw her grandmo- 
ther coming down the lane from the village, 
and running to meet her, she showed her 
the Fairy’s present, and told her eagerly of 
all that had passed. Whereupon Charity 
kissed her, and smiling, said : 





* 





THE FAIRY GLASS. 23 

“You must do all the good Fairy told 
you, for we are great friends. She opens 
the minds of men to the great truths 
around them, and then they immediately be- 
come more charitable. So that Science is 
no stranger, after all.” 

Early the next morning, Kindheart set off 
for the Ant-hill, and arriving there, put the 
glass before her eyes, as the Fairy had told 
her. 

Immediately the Ants grew to be large ani- 
mals, with six legs, a three-cornered head, and 
two curious horns that grew out from each 
side of their heads close by their ears. They 
had large bright eyes, and used their front 
feet as hands. 

Their lower lips looked like bowls of 
spoons, and their waists were so small it 
seemed as if they would break in two, between 
their big bodies and broad shoulders. 



24 THE fairy glass. 

Every one was busy, many of them carrying 
large loads up the steep sides of the hill, which 
now looked to Kindheart as if it was as large 
as any house she ever saw. 

At that moment she discovered she had 
herself become very small. 

“ Let us go into their village,” said a voice 
at her side ; and turning, she saw Science, 
who, although she looked the same as before, 
was now no taller than the curious creatures 
around them. 

Kindheart and the Fairy entered an open 
doorway undisturbed, for they were invisible 
to the Ants. 

Once within, they found themselves at the 
end of a wide hall, which was most beauti- 
fully arched. The walls were smooth and 
high, and everything they saw was scrupu- 
lously clean. 

Close to the entrance was a heap of earth, 



THE FAIRY GLASS. 25 

sticks, small stones, and such materials as the 
Ants used to stop up the doorway in time of 
need. Passing along this corridor, Kindheart 
and the Fairy entered one after another of 
the rooms that opened into it. 

The whole house was several stories high, 
and in each story the rooms were arranged 
on either side of long galleries. 

In one of these apartments, which had an 
arched ceiling, supported by many handsome 
columns, they saw some of the ladies and 
gentlemen of the Ants city, (for many fami- 
lies live together here.) 

Each had four beautiful wings of the 
brightest rainbow hues, and they were very 
graceful idlers. 

“ Which is the Queen ? ” asked Kindheart, 
looking around upon the glittering bevy with 
deep interest. 

“The Ants have no Queen,” replied Science ; 



26 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

“ their government is something of a Repub- 
lic,” she added, smiling. 

“ These appear to have nothing to do, and 
are very much handsomer than those we have 
met before, who had not even wings,” re- 
marked Kindheart, watching the curious ladies 
and gentlemen. . 

“These, whom you see treated with such 
apparent partiality, are the young members, 
who are expected to form new colonies when 
they are married,” explained the Fairy ; “ you 
notice all the workers accord them marked 
respect.” 

“Yes, I have seen that already. But how 
is it that all who do the work are women ? 
We have seen no men busy since we came 
here,” resumed Kindheart. 

“ Those who work are the old maids of the 
city, and there are always more of these than 
of all the rest together,” replied the Fairy. 



THE FAIRY GLASS. 27 

“The old maids are very small,” remarked 
Kindheart, sympathetically. “ I wonder if 
they do not get tired, with so much to do ? ” 

“They are small,” answered the Fairy, “but 
they have much greater strength than these, 
and besides that, the ladies and gentlemen 
die when Winter comes ; but the old maids 
only go to sleep in a snug bed, and wake up 
when Spring knocks at the door.” 

While the Fairy had been thus explaining 
the habits of the workers to her young com- 
panion, they had passed on to another room, 
in which lay numerous small, white bundles. 

“ What are these ? ” asked Kindheart. 

“ These are the baby-ants,” replied Science. 
“ See how nicely they are wrapped up in those 
soft, silky coverings.” 

“Why, the old maids seem to be taking 
care of them ! ” exclaimed the child, in sur- 
prise. 



28 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

“ So they are ! ” replied the Fairy, in evi- 
dent amusement ; “ they have the sole charge 
of them, and are the very best of nurses.” 

“What can they do for the odd little 
things ? ” asked Kindheart, very much in- 
terested. 

“ They wash them frequently, feed them 
with soft food, as people feed babies with 
bread and milk. They carry them out near 
the door when the sun shines, to give them 
an airing, and bring them back before there 
is danger of their taking cold. If any one 
should break into this Ant-hill, you would 
see the workers catch up the children the 
first thing, and run off with them as fast as 
possible to a place of safety. 

“When the babies are large enough to walk, 
the old maids help them out of the silk dress 
or bag they are now in, and after that they 
must take care of themselves.” 



THE FAIRY GLASS. 29 

“ How very strange it all is,” said Kind- 
heart, musingly. “ I had no idea Ants were 
so wonderful.” 

“ Everything that God has made is wonder- 
ful,” replied the Fairy. “ So, when anything 
appears of no consequence hereafter, remem- 
ber that you do not understand it ; and that 
if you did, it would prove to be of deep in- 
terest. But I have more to show you.” 

As they passed out into the gallery again, 
they met a file of Old Maids. 

“Where are they going?” questioned Kind- 
heart ; “ how strong and large they look.” 

“These are the Soldiers,” replied Science. 

“ Why, do Ants fight ? ” asked the little 
girl, with surprise. 

“ Oh, yes. Sometimes it is necessary to 
defend their city against other colonies of 
Ants; and sometimes they fight for other 
reasons. They are always brave, and do not 



30 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

hesitate to yield their lives for the general 
good.” 

At this moment, Science led the little girl 
into a small room occupied by very curious- 
looking creatures, entirely different from the 
Ants. 

They had six long legs, a big body, no 
wings, two horns near their heads, and two 
projections near their hind legs. They were 
clumsy and lazy. 

The Fairy did not wait for Kindheart to 
ask what the strange animals were, but said : 

“ These are what people call Aphides . 
They are the cows of the Ants. They live on 
roots or leaves, and the Ants keep them 
here, tend them and feed them, so as to 
always have food near at hand.” 

Just then an Ant came in, and going up 
to an Aphis, commenced to pat the curious 
projections. 


THE FAIRY GLASS. 31 

It looked so strange that Kindheart began 
to laugh, and asked what she was doing. 

“ She is milking it,” replied the Fairy ; “ do 
you not see?” 

“ Does the milk taste like what our cows 
give ? ” asked the child. 

“No,” replied Science. “The milk of the 
Aphis is sweet, more nearly resembling 
honey, for which reason it is often called 
honey -dew!' 

“ Do all Ants keep cows ? ” questioned 
Kindheart. 

“No indeed,” answered Science. “There 
are different kinds of Ants, as there are 
different nations of people. And every 
kind has some peculiarity of its own. Yet 
in many things they are alike, — as girls are 
girls, and boys are boys, the world over.” 

By this time they had made their way back 
to the door of the Ant-hill. 



32 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

“ Can I keep the glass you gave me, beau- 
tiful lady ? ” said Kindheart. 

“Yes; and use it often/’ replied Science. 
“It will show you many wonderful things. 
Wisdom and Patience will assist you. When- 
ever any one lifts this glass to his eyes, I will 
instantly appear, and go with him through 
whatever he may seriously undertake.” 

They passed out under the great tree of 
Nature, and immediately Kindheart found 
herself alone, with the Fairy Glass in her 
hand, and the Ant-hill before her, covered 
with its tiny workers, all as small and as 
busy as they had ever been. 

She looked around, scarcely able to believe 
she had just come out of their strange house. 

Reaching home, she gave her grandmother 
particular account of all she had seen and 
heard. 





III. 

THE MAGICAL JOURNEY. 

WISH everybody knew as much 
about those wonderful little insects 
as I do !” exclaimed Kindheart, 
when she had finished her narration. 

“ It pleases me to hear you say that/’ re- 
plied Charity, “ for no one in this world can 
fully enjoy anything which is not shared with 
others. But now it is time you were off to 
school. If you hasten you can overtake Miss 
Patience, and have her company the rest of 
the way.” 

When the good teacher saw Kindheart 
running after her, she not only stopped, that 

33 




34 


THE FAIRY GLASS. 


the little girl might overtake her the sooner, 
but walked back some way; and when the 
child came up, kissed her flushed cheek, 
saying : 

“ I am glad to see you this morning, for I 
wish to tell you how happy it made me to 
have you defend the little Ants yesterday, 
when Wayward was going to destroy them.” 

“ Oh, I do not think he meant any harm,” 
said Kindheart, who always thought well of 
others. “And I did not urge him to stop 
because I thought you, or Experience, would 
approve it, but because I felt sorry for the 
Ants, and wanted to save their home, if I 
could.” 

Kindheart had no sooner spoken these 
words, than she remembered what her grand- 
mother had said about every good action 
being put in the Crown we are to wear here- 
after, and she felt very happy. 



THE FAIRY GLASS. 35 

As Kindheart and Patience reached the top 
of the path, they saw Wayward aiming a foot- 
ball at one of the Ant-hills. He was just 
ready to throw it, when Kindheart called out : 

“ Oh, for shame ! you promised me you 
would not do that,” and ran quickly to the 
rescue. 

“I told you yesterday I would not touch 
them then. But I did not say I would never 
knock their houses down, for I shall /” re- 
plied the boy, resolutely. 

“ No, you will not,” said Kindheart, per- 
suasively, “ for they are very wonderful little 
insects, and I will show you something about 
them which will make you ashamed to think 
you ever wanted to hurt them.” 

Before Wayward could object, she placed 
her Fairy Glass in his hand, and bade him 
look through it. 

Obeying a careless curiosity, he raised it to 



36 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

his eyes, and immediately Science appeared 
before him. 

He was much surprised to see such a beau- 
tiful lady, but she gave him no time to admire 
her. Laying her hand on his arm, she said : 

“ I trust, when you have taken the same 
walk that Kindheart took with me this morn- 
ing, you will never be guilty of an ungenerous 
act again.” 

The boy was abashed and hung his head, 
but looked up directly, as they came to the 
door of the Ant-hill. 

“ Where are we?” he asked, in amazement, 
seeing the curious animals around him, and 
ahead the lofty corridor with its arched ceil- 
ing and massive pillars. 

“We are entering the Ant-hill you were 
going to knock down just now with your 
ball.” 

She took him from room to room, and 



THE FAIRY GLASS. 37 

showed him all Kindheart had seen, — ex- 
plaining to him as she had to the girl. 

Wayward looked and listened with eager 
interest, from the time they passed into the 
door until they returned to it. 

As he stepped into the sunlight, he suddenly 
found himself near the old school-house, with 
Experience, Patience, and Kindheart beside 
him ; but the beautiful lady gone, and every- 
thing as usual. 

“You were right, my Sweetheart,” said the 
boy, turning with a smile to his little friend. 
“ The Ants are indeed wonderful, and hence- 
forth I will do whatever you wish.” 

“ If you keep that promise, you will be a 
better and a wiser man,” said Experience. 

From that day, Kindheart and Wayward 
were constant companions, and people began 
to say that the boy grew gentler as he grew 



38 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

older. They finally ceased to call him Way- 
ward, and he was known through the village 
as Genial. 

One day, as these two sat together under 
the tree of Nature, the boy, whom we shall 
still call Wayward, said, musingly: 

“I wish I knew where Science lives, and 
why she wears such a strange dress.” 

“ So do I ! ” responded Kindheart. 

The wish was scarcely uttered when the 
beautiful Fairy appeared before them. 

“ I have heard your desire, and am willing 
to gratify your curiosity,” she said, looking 
down kindly upon them. “ My kingdom is 
from the depths of the earth to the stars that 
shine above the heavens. And I show in my 
dress some material from every part of my 
dominion. If you will get Patience to bear 
us company, I am willing to show you all 
these things.” 



THE FAIRY GLASS. 39 

Wayward immediately hastened off to find 
Miss Patience, and returning with her, they 
were soon ready for their journey. 

Science stamped on the ground where they 
stood, and immediately it opened, revealing a 
dark chasm, with rough and dingy steps lead- 
ing down into it. 

The Fairy bade them to follow her, and 
began to descend. Kindheart was frightened 
and drew back, but Wayward put his arm 
around her, and they went down together. 

It was cold, and damp, and dark, for a long 
way. But at length it began to grow warmer 
until it became uncomfortable ; and had they 
not been wrapped in the cloaks of Patience 
and Science, they would certainly have been 
roasted alive. 

Finally, they saw a great light ahead, and 
hastening on, it was not long before they 
stood upon a cliff of rock that reached far 



40 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

over an ocean of fire. The blazing billows 
rolled and muttered in a fearful manner. 

“ This is the centre of the Earth,” explained 
the Fairy. “ It is my furnace, and the vol- 
canoes are the chimneys.” 

They passed from this up, up another 
winding staircase, until the Fairy paused in a 
corridor, and turning towards them, said : 

“We have now reached my store-houses 
which I shall show you.” 





IV. 

THE FAIRY’S STOREHOUSES. 

HUS saying, they entered through 
an opening before them, a large 
hall of granite. The lofty ceiling 
of graystone was supported by heavy columns 
of the same, while all around were strangely 
shaped seats, and slabs that looked like 
tables. 

So long and wide was this great room, that 
they could not see the walls in any direction, 
excepting that in which they came. The 

dusky columns stretched far out of sight in 

41 




42 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

melancholy silence, that made one think of 
tombs and ruins. 

“ This place is very dreary,” said Kindheart. 
“It puts me in mind of death, it seems so 
grand, and still, and awful.” 

“ It will not be so long,” replied the Fairy. 
“ In a few hundred years, busy hands will be 
working where we now stand. These great 
pillars before us will be carried up into the 
sunlight, to build houses for the use of your 
grandmother Charity — hospitals, asylums, col- 
leges, libraries, and other noble institutions.” 

From this hall they passed into other 
chambers. One of snowy marble, so pure 
and beautiful, it looked as if adorned for a 
wedding. Another of gold, more magnificent 
than the palace of any king. Then bright, 
glittering silver, which the Fairy called her 
moonlit room ; so soft was the light, it made 
one think of birds and flowers. 



THE FAIRY GLASS. 


43 


There were many other rooms, each of a 
different material, among which were numer- 
ous ones very new to Kindheart and Way- 
ward. Presently they entered an apartment 
so dark, it was a moment before they could 
see anything. Then for the first time the 
boy and girl noticed that all the light they 
had came from the beautiful face of Science. 
Her countenance was so radiant with smiles, 
that she illumined everything toward which 
she turned. 

“What a dismal place ! ” exclaimed Way- 
ward. 

“ This is my coal-cellar, and dismal though 
it is, you would be badly off on cold winter 
days, if it was not for this,” replied the Fairy. 

When they came out of the cellar, all but 
Science had black hands and faces. 

Kindheart’s light curls were powdered with 
black dust. They laughed heartily at each 


44 the fairy glass. 

other, and did not half notice the halls of 
iron, and lead, and copper, through which 
they passed. 

But when the Fairy threw open a small 
door at one side, they forgot all but what 
was before them. 

As soon as the light from Science’s face fell 
upon the darkened room, it became one blaze 
of splendor. The light was so dazzling, they 
had to put their hands before their eyes, 
until they became accustomed to the change. 
The whole apartment seemed covered with 
millions of tiny mirrors, — floor, and wall, 
and ceiling. 

“This is my diamond boudoir,” said the 
Fairy. “ My shoe-buckles came from here.” 

Wayward stooped down and gathered a 
handful of the precious gems, but Science 
bade him put them back, saying : 

“No one can obtain any of these riches 



THE FAIRY GLASS. 45 

unless they work for them. But when you 
go back to the village, if you strive like a man 
to gather the treasures you have seen here, I 
will repay you liberally. But now you must 
leave them untouched.” 

After closing this door, they passed on 
through many rooms of greater or less in- 
terest ; pieces from all of which could be seen 
on the Fairy’s shoes. 

“We will now visit the Reservoir,” said 
Science. 

As they opened the door before them, they 
felt a gust of cold, damp air, which made them 
draw back shivering. But the Fairy passed 
on, and following her, they found themselves 
in a lofty cave. The floor, walls, and ceiling 
were of clay. Wherever they stepped the 
ground was slippery, while a light shower fell 
constantly. 

Fountains gushed up from beneath the 



4 6 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

walls, and the banks sloped down to a won- 
derful lake that stretched far away in the 
darkness beyond. There was a low, musical 
murmur like summer rain, and listening 
closely, they could hear a deep roar like that 
of the Ocean. 

As the light from Science’s face shone upon 
the water, it flashed and sparkled as it would 
have done in the sunlight. 

“ This is the last I shall show you under- 
ground,” said the Fairy. “ So follow and 
keep close to me.” 

Thus speaking, she stepped on to the lake, 
where she stood as safely and easily as she 
had on the ground. 

“ Come ! ” she said, holding out her hand 
to Wayward. But he drew back. 

“We are not fairies, you must remember, 
and will certainly be drowned,” he said, 
anxiously. 



THE FAIRY GLASS. 47 

“Trust me” replied the lady, smiling. 
“ See, I shall make a nice boat for you.” So 
saying, she sat down and spread her skirt of 
leaves out upon the water. Then taking 
Kindheart upon her lap, she turned again to 
the lad, who, being reassured, seated himself 
on one side of her dress, with his arm around 
Kindheart. 

Patience joined the group, and Science, 
finding all things ready, let go the clay bank 
to which she had been holding. They went 
floating away over the still, dark lake, with the 
light shower falling upon them, and nothing 
but water as far as they could see. 

“ Sing me something, Kindheart ? ” said the 
Fairy, caressingly. 

“Indeed I do not know what to sing in 
such a strange place,” replied the little girl. 

“ That is a very pretty song which Expe- 
rience taught you,” suggested Patience. 



48 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

“ Let us hear it,” urged the Fairy. 

And Kindheart, always ready to oblige, 
sung, in a sweet, winning voice : 

THE LAY OF EXPERIENCE. 

Fun and frolic, mirth and glee, 

Are the sunshine children need, 

That they bright and well may be, 

And their school-day lessons heed. 

But wherever they may go, 

And whatever they may do, 

They should learn, what all things show, 

Nature’s lessons, always true. 

From the great trees of the wood, 

Learn to brave the storms of life ; 

Many a tempest they have stood, 

And grown stronger for the strife. 

The bright crystal brook and fount, 

That will hide no guile or art, 

Teach, like Jesus on the Mount, 

“ Blessed are the pure in heart.” 

1 



THE FAIRY GLASS. 

Voices from the flowers and grass, 
That you crush beneath your tread, 

Say, “ This life will quickly pass — 

Do some good before ’t is fled.” 

From the sky, that bends above, 
Telling of the Angels’ home, 

Something whispers, “ God is love ; 
To Him little children come.” 

Thus where’er we turn to look, 

There is work for all to do. 

This great world is like a book, 
Opened every day for you. 

Study all the teachings well, 

And when you are older grown, 

Other children you may tell, 

Of what you have seen and known. 



49 




V. 


ABOVE THE CLOUDS WITH SCIENCE. 



vH AT is real good ! ” exclaimed 
Wayward, as she finished. 

“Yes, and appropriate also,” 
assented Science ; “because you have seen, 
and will see during our travels, many things 
from which you ought to learn useful les- 
sons.” 

While they had been listening to Kind- 
heart’s song, they had not noticed the passage 
or channel into which they had glided ; but 
now Wayward, seeing the walls on both sides, 
eagerly inquired : 

“ Where are we going, beautiful lady ? ” 

50 



THE FAIRY GLASS. 51 

“ Out into the world from which you came,” 
answered Science, pleasantly. 

Before long they saw a light ahead which 
appeared like a star. As they drew nearer, 
it grew larger and larger, until they found 
themselves once more in the glorious sun- 
shine. 

They had floated out on the water of a 
beautiful spring, that gushed from the side of 
a rock, and fell in a dashing cascade into the 
valley below. Here it formed a merry brook, 
that ran away between mossy banks overhung 
by drooping boughs of lofty trees. The 
cool, green leaves seemed to make sweet 
music, as they rustled in the breeze. Grace- 
ful vines clung to the gray trunks, pendent 
in festoons from bough to bough, while birds 
flew in and out, twittering a joyous melody. 

“ Here my dress was woven,” said the 
Fairy. 



52 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

And the green moss, that fringed the skirt 
of leaves and vines, seemed to gather fresh 
life from breathing its native air. 

Calling to a passing Zephyr, Science bade 
him take her companions upon his back, and 
bear them after her into the air. When they 
were far above the level plain, she pointed to 
the ocean, that could be dimly seen through 
the vail of mist that hung over it, and said : 

“ I tore my apron from that mist.” 

Onward and upward they flew, until the 
Zephyr set them down beside Science, in the 
midst of ice and snow. 

“ Oh dear ! where have we come ? ” ex- 
claimed Kindheart, shivering. “ Do let us 
get away from this place, or I shall freeze to 
death.” 

Her teeth chattered, and her nose was so 
red, that Wayward began to laugh at her ; 
but his face froze in a broad smile, and he 



THE FAIRY GLASS. 53 

could not get it straight again, so he looked 
like the merriest lad in the world. 

Even Patience begged Science to make their 
stay among the icebergs as short as possible. 

“ I will,” replied the Fairy. “ I only desire 
to show you from whence came the icy jewels 
that I wear upon my hair and neck. And now 
we will move on.” 

Once more they began to mount upward, 
and did not again pause until they stood 
upon the mountain-top. 

At their feet lay vast drifts of clouds that 
hid the earth from view. Upon these, the sun 
shone in all its splendor, robing them in many 
beautiful colors. 

From the jutting point of a storm-cloud 
hung half a rainbow, with its radiant shadings. 
To this, Science called attention. 

“ You notice part of the rainbow is gone,” 
she said. “ I used it for my girdle, and my 



54 the fairy glass. 

scarf is a fragment of that crimson sunset 
cloud. We can ascend no higher,” she added, 
“ but on the other side of the mountain you 
may see the boundary of my dominion.” 

They followed her, and found it was night 
when they stopped high on the opposite peak. 
There she showed them many stars, and 
moons, and curious things which they had 
never seen before. But when they began to 
question her, she said : 

“ Only a few great mortals ever go above 
this mountain, and those who do, give their 
whole lives to the journey. So it will be best 
for you to return to the village of Truth, and 
spend the remainder of your days in the 
companionship of my beloved friend Charity.” 

Kindheart was anxious to see her grand- 
mother, and Wayward loved Kindheart too 
well to permit her to go without him ; so they 
started down the mountain together. 



THE FAIRY GLASS. 


55 


Turning to take a last farewell of Science, 
they beheld her standing upon the rocky top, 
above the clouds, smiling an adieu. The star 
upon her forehead sent down a shower of 
light over her, which grew more and more 
brilliant, until the beautiful lady disappeared 
in the brightness, and they found themselves 
looking at the sun, which had just risen over 
the roofs of the village, and they stood under 
the great tree of nature, by the Ant-hill. 

Wayward wound his arm around Kindheart, 
and with happy smiles they started for the 
cottage. At the door of the school-house 
they passed Experience, who did not seem as 
stern as he used to be, and gave them a 
pleasant greeting. 

Everything in or around the village was 
very much improved, for they had been on 
their journey a long while. The peaceful 
home of Charity still lay nestled away in the 


56 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

valley called Modesty, just as cheerful and 
pleasant as ever. 

The good grand-dame welcomed them with 
outstretched arms, and thanked Patience for 
the trouble she had taken, of so long a jour- 
ney on their account. 

Very soon after, Kindheart became the 
loving little wife of Wayward, and they settled 
down with Charity to good works and con- 
tentment. 

Amid their happiness, they often spoke of 
the beautiful Fairy Science, and frequently 
used the “ Magic Glass,” which they called 
The Microscope . 





T was some time before Wayward 
and Kindheart saw Science again. 
They had lived in the little cot- 
tage of Charity very happily, and were much 
beloved by the people in the Village of Truth. 

One bright morning in the early summer 
time, when all the woods were full of music 
and beauty, Kindheart started in search of a 
little flower , which she had heard would make 
those who found it very happy, so long as 
they could keep it fresh and close to them. 

She wandered on for some time, regardless 

of the cool, peaceful shadows, or the trees 

57 



58 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

that, meeting above her head, seemed to whis- 
per and laugh in merry mood. 

At length she reached a barrier of wild 
roses, which grew across the way, and was so 
dense she could not pass them. She stopped 
in perplexity. As she was looking for some 
other path, she noticed a white hand that 
parted the bushes from the other side, so as 
to make an opening through which she could 
pass. 

Having done so, she looked about for the 
person who had thus unexpectedly assisted 
her; but not seeing any one, proceeded on 
her way, which now lay through a deep forest. 

The path grew rugged and hilly, with 
stones over which she frequently stumbled, 
and among the trees she fancied she saw 
strange shadows flitting. 

One in particular followed her wherever 
she turned, until trying to escape from it, she 



THE FAIRY GLASS. 59 

lost her way, and hastening on, sunk down at 
last almost exhausted. 

She was now in a little dell, where the 
branches of the trees were so thick, the sun- 
light always caught its wings trying to peep 
through ; so that his bright, round face only 
sent sufficient smiles among the leaves to 
make a softened twilight. 

Close beside her was a clear, beautiful 
spring, with bright green moss all round the 
edge, studded with gay flowers. 

Kindheart sitting on the moss, leaned for- 
ward and dipped her hand in the cool water, 
to bathe her heated face. 

As she did so, she saw in the bottom of the 
stream a wonderful flower. It had snow-white 
leaves, with delicate pink edges, and two blue 
petals in the centre, that looked like Forget- 
me-nots ; while around all floated a sort of 
golden-hued moss. 



60 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

“ Oh, that is the flower for which I have 
been searching!” exclaimed Kindheart, joy- 
ously ; and plunging her hand down through 
the water, drew it out, with drops like dew 
clinging to the leaves. As she did so, the 
shadow that had followed her fell across the 
spring. 

She caught the flower close to her heart, 
lest some harm should come to it, and closed 
her eyes to shut out the shadow, of which she 
had grown afraid. 

“Kindheart, do you not know me f ” asked 
a gentle voice at her side. 

Looking up, she recognized her old friend 
Patience, gentler and more lovely than ever. 

“I have been near you some time,” said 
the teacher, smiling. “And now that you 
have found what you sought, lay your head 
upon my lap and rest, you are very tired, I 
know.” 


THE FAIRY GLASS. 6l 

Kindheart was tired, for she had walked a 
long way. So thanking Patience, she ac- 
cepted her offer, and holding her flower 
safely, sunk into a peaceful sleep. 

Her good friend smoothed back the hair 
from her aching brow, and sung a low, sooth- 
ing lullaby, the words of which mingled 
sweetly with Kindheart’s dreams. 

PATIENCE’S LULLABY. 

Softly murmur, leaves of oak ; 

Whisper low, ye vines and flowers, 

Lest the fairy spell be broke 

In these tranquil dream-land bowers. 

Gently, gently, murmur soft! 

Fairies, hover round, aloft ! 

Lightly touch each drooping lid 
With the magic wand of slumber, 

Till the smiling eyes are hid, 

And bright visions fancy cumber. 

Slumber, slumber ! rest thee ! sleep ! 

O’er thee loving watch I ’ll keep. 


62 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

Hush, ye birds ; or warble low. 

Passing breezes, stay your sighing. 
Streamlet, still your merry flow ; 

Soothe the loved one near you lying. 

Softly, softly sing to rest 
The head pillow’d on my breast. 

Lower bend the fairy shades, 

O’er the parted lips slow creeping; 

Every weary tracing fades. 

Softly, softly she is sleeping. 

Peaceful dreams, enwreathe thy mind, 
Silver-edged and golden-lined. 

Softly murmur, leaves of oak ; 

Whisper low, ye vines and flowers, 

Lest the Elfin spell be broke 

’Mid these tranquil dream-land bowers. 

Far away all care is cast, 

While sleep’s magic charm doth last. 

Thus sung Patience, while Kindheart lay 
reposing on the moss. 

Wayward and Experience came up from 
the village together, and being much inter- 


THE FAIRY GLASS. 63 

ested in conversation, passed Charity’s cot- 
tage, and walked into the forest through 
which Kindheart had wandered before. Way- 
ward was saying : 

“You remember, I told you of the gold 
and jewels which Science showed us, in our 
journey with her ; also, that she said I could 
have all I would strive to gain ? ” 

“Yes, I remember very well,” replied Ex- 
perience ; “ but what do you propose doing ? ” 
“ I think I shall employ men from the vil- 
lage to dig under the great tree of nature, in 
search of the steps that lead to the store- 
houses of Science,” answered Wayward. 

Experience shook his head. “You might 
spend all your life in digging , and never find 
the treasure,” he said. 

Still Wayward was not convinced, and as 
they wandered on, discussing the question, 
Science suddenly appeared before them. 



64 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

“ I have listened to your conversation some 
time,” she remarked, smiling, “and as I am 
satisfied that you, Wayward, are willing to 
work for the treasures, I will show you how 
to obtain them. Are you willing to follow 
my instructions ? ” 

“With all my heart, dear lady. Only teach 
me what to do,” he answered, eagerly. 

“ Take the Fairy Glass, search the woods , 
waters , and fields. The wonders you discover, 
write in a book. The people in the village 
will give you the treasures I have placed in 
their hands, as exchange for your valuable 
work.” 

With these words, she waved her hand and 
disappeared. 

“ I have the glass with me, and will begin 
at once,” cried Wayward. 

Just as he spoke, he heard the low singing 
of Patience, and walking rapidly forward, 



THE FAIRY GLASS. 65 

soon came to the spring, and saw Kindheart 
wrapped in a cloak, fast asleep. 

He took her gently in his arms, and, fol- 
lowed by the two teachers, went back to the 
cottage. 

At the door stood Charity, with her white 
hair and broad frilled cap, while behind her 
stood the table ready for supper. 

A great arm-chair was under the tree 
called Domestic, and in this Wayward placed 
Kindheart very gently. She was awake now, 
and threw open her cloak to show them the 
beautiful flower she had found, when, lo ! it 
had changed into a rosy, laughing little boy 
with blue eyes and golden hair. 

For a few moments they were too glad to 
speak. Then Charity said, smiling through 
her tears : 

“I shall have more new ideas to weave 
now.” 



66 THE FAIRY GLASS. 

“ Y es, and we will have another scholar, 
Patience,” said gray-haired Experience. 

“ This is indeed a flower to make us happy !” 
exclaimed Wayward. “ I hope dear Science 
will take as much interest in our boy as she 
has in us,” he added. 

“ She will, I can assure you,” replied a voice 
beside them, and turning, they saw the beauti- 
ful lady. 

“ After all,” said Kindheart, extending her 
hand to the fairy, “ we should never have been 
so happy but for your kindness in present- 
ing, and teaching us the use of the Fairy 
Glass.” 















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